Westcott

Westcott 2005 45in Optical White Satin Photo Umbrella

4.4 (169 reviews)
45in

Classic 45-inch white satin shoot-through umbrella that softens and spreads light for flattering portrait and product photography.

$25.90*
In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Westcott 2005 45-inch Optical White Satin Umbrella is a shoot-through diffusion modifier that transforms a hard, directional light source into a broad, soft wash of illumination. By firing your strobe or speedlight through the white satin fabric, the light is scattered across the full 45-inch surface area, dramatically reducing harsh shadows and creating the kind of even, flattering illumination that portrait, product, and editorial photographers rely on. The optical white satin material is specifically chosen for its neutral color transmission, ensuring that the diffused light does not introduce unwanted color casts into your images.

Constructed with fiberglass ribs rather than traditional metal, the Westcott 2005 is built to withstand the rigors of repeated setup and teardown, whether in a permanent studio or on location. Fiberglass flexes under stress rather than bending permanently, which means the umbrella retains its shape over time. The steel shaft measures 8mm in diameter with a 7mm tapered tip, providing secure, wobble-free mounting in standard umbrella brackets. When collapsed, the umbrella is compact enough to fit in most gear bags, making it an essential modifier for photographers who need reliable light quality without the bulk and weight of panel softboxes or octaboxes.

Key Features

Easy to use and easy to carry wherever you need them

Reflects more light

Easy to assemble/disassemble, compact and easy to store

Specifications

Brand
Westcott
Model
2005
Type
Shoot-Through Diffusion Umbrella
Diameter
45 inches
Fabric
Optical White Satin
Rib Material
Fiberglass
Shaft Material
Steel
Shaft Diameter
8mm (7mm tapered tip)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 45-inch diameter provides a broad, soft light spread that minimizes harsh shadows on subjects.
  • Fiberglass ribs are more flexible and break-resistant than traditional metal ribs, extending the umbrella's working life.
  • Lightweight and collapsible design makes it easy to pack for on-location shoots.
  • White satin fabric produces neutral, color-accurate diffusion without shifting the color temperature of your light.
  • 8mm shaft with 7mm taper fits the vast majority of umbrella brackets and holders without adapters.

👎 Cons

  • Shoot-through design offers less light control and more spill compared to a softbox or parabolic modifier.
  • Single-purpose diffusion fabric cannot convert to a reflective umbrella without a separate removable cover.
  • No carrying case or sleeve included for protecting the fabric during transport.
  • White satin material can stain or discolor over time and is not easily washable.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a shoot-through (diffusion) umbrella. You fire your light through the white satin fabric to soften and spread the output over a wider area.
The shaft is 8mm with a 7mm tapered tip, which fits most standard umbrella holders and light stand brackets.
The Westcott 2005 uses fiberglass ribs instead of metal, which makes them more flexible and resistant to bending or snapping during transport and setup.
A 45-inch umbrella pairs well with speedlights and small to mid-sized studio strobes, providing a good balance of soft light and portability for both studio and on-location work.
Yes, its lightweight and collapsible design makes it easy to transport for location shoots, though you should use a sandbag on your light stand in windy conditions as the large surface area can catch wind.